Augusta County, Virginia
More actions
Region
Shenandoah Valley
Type
County and rural destination
Landscape
Valley farmland and mountain edges
Known for
Natural Chimneys, Grand Caverns, and the Blue Ridge Tunnel
Augusta County is a broad, scenic part of the Shenandoah Valley, set between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains. It rewards travelers who like combining outdoor stops with small communities, farms, museums, and historic roads. The independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro sit within the county’s wider travel landscape, but are governed separately. [1]
A good visit might include a walk beneath the stone towers at Natural Chimneys, a guided visit underground at Grand Caverns, or a passage through the historic Blue Ridge Tunnel. Distances between attractions can be substantial, so a car makes it easier to connect county sites with nearby towns and mountain routes. Check official attraction and park websites before setting out, since hours, access, and seasonal operations can change.
Plan a trip to Augusta County
Why visit Augusta County?
Augusta County brings together several different Shenandoah Valley experiences: open farmland, mountain scenery, caves and unusual rock formations, and sites that tell stories of settlement and war. Visitors can build a trip around a single outdoor landmark or use the county as a base for exploring nearby Staunton, Waynesboro, and the wider valley.
The county’s appeal is its variety rather than a single central attraction. A scenic drive can lead to a county park, a historic tunnel trail, a living-history museum, or a small-town stop. The official visitor guide highlights outdoor recreation, historic sites, local farms, breweries, vineyards, and independent shops among the area’s options. [2]
What to see and do
Natural Chimneys
See seven tall limestone formations rising from the valley landscape at Natural Chimneys Park and Campground. The county park also offers outdoor recreation; check the county’s current information for facilities, access, and any seasonal details before visiting. [3]
Grand Caverns
In Grottoes, Grand Caverns offers guided cave visits and outdoor activities in its surrounding park. The cave has operated for visitors since 1806 and is recognized as a National Natural Landmark. Tours and other activities may have separate schedules or admission; confirm current details with the site before traveling. [4]
Blue Ridge Tunnel
Walk or bike through a former railroad tunnel beneath Rockfish Gap, a historic crossing of the Blue Ridge. The trail connects with a broader regional greenway network. Bring a reliable light and check trail conditions and access information before going. [5]
Frontier Culture Museum
Near Staunton, this open-air museum uses historic buildings, interpreters, and demonstrations to explore the lives and experiences of Indigenous people, European settlers, and enslaved Africans in early Virginia and the broader frontier story. Check the museum’s official site for current hours, programs, and admission information. [6]
Scenic drives and historic routes
Country roads and historic highways offer a slower way to take in farms, mountain views, and small communities. The county visitor guide describes routes and points of interest, including the Battle of Piedmont area; use it as a starting point and verify site access before making a special trip. [7]
Shenandoah National Park and mountain gateways
The county lies near the southern end of Shenandoah National Park and the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. These neighboring routes add hiking, overlooks, and mountain scenery to an Augusta County itinerary. Check official park and parkway sources for current closures, conditions, and access information. [8]
History and character
Augusta County was formed from Orange County in 1738, as colonial settlement spread westward into the Shenandoah Valley. Staunton became its county seat. The county’s history reflects the region’s changing communities, including Indigenous presence, European settlement, and the lives of enslaved and free African Americans. [9]
The landscape also holds Civil War history. The Battle of Piedmont was fought in Augusta County on June 5, 1864; the National Park Service describes the battlefield’s location and the fighting that took place there. Visitors interested in this period can explore local historic markers and interpretive sites, while remembering that battlefield locations may be on roadsides or private land rather than developed visitor attractions. [10]
Today, agricultural land and small communities remain central to the county’s character. Its visitor offerings range from outdoor recreation and scenic drives to museums and locally owned businesses, making it a useful place to slow down between larger Shenandoah Valley destinations.
Planning a visit
Augusta County is spread out, so plan by area rather than assuming attractions are close together. A car is helpful for reaching rural parks, trailheads, and historic sites; check the route and access details for each stop before departure. The Blue Ridge Tunnel is dark inside, and the official historic-register entry identifies it as a recreational trail for hiking and biking. [11]
For outdoor stops, bring water, suitable footwear, and weather-appropriate layers. Confirm current park conditions and facility availability with Augusta County, and check attraction websites for tour schedules, admission, and seasonal hours. Pair county attractions with an overnight or meal stop in Staunton or Waynesboro if you want a mix of rural scenery and town amenities.
Nearby places and attractions
Independent city and county seat, with cultural attractions and the Frontier Culture Museum nearby.
A convenient gateway to the Blue Ridge and the Blue Ridge Tunnel trail.
Explore the wider region’s towns, farms, historic sites, and landscapes.
Mountain trails, overlooks, and Skyline Drive are close to the county’s eastern edge.
A scenic mountain route near the county’s southern gateway.
A nearby Shenandoah Valley city to add to a regional road trip.
A historic small city farther south, suited to a broader Valley itinerary.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Augusta County, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Activities, Visit Augusta County, Augusta County Office of Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Natural Chimneys Park and Campground, Augusta County, Virginia, Augusta County. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ About Grand Caverns, Grand Caverns, Town of Grottoes. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Blue Ridge Tunnel, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Frontier Culture Museum, Frontier Culture Museum, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Scenic Drives and Motorcycle Tours, Visit Augusta County, Augusta County Office of Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Augusta County, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ A Brief History of Augusta County, Virginia, Augusta County, Virginia, Augusta County. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Battle of Piedmont, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Blue Ridge Tunnel, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-22.